"I probably wouldn't be wrong if I said that "Qarabag's" participation in the Champions League this season helped "Sabah" become champions. Because "Qarabag" did not imagine that they would go so far in the Champions League. Their greater focus on the Champions League led to them leaving gaps in the national championship. But I don't want to take credit away from "Sabah" either. Because "Sabah" showed very good football this year."
These words were said by Ramal Huseynov, a veteran football player of "Qarabag".
He spoke about the reasons why the Aghdam club could not become champions this season.
"Sabah" brought a new breath to the championship this year. After many years, the name of the champion changed. "Sabah" became the champion by playing better football than "Qarabag". The main reason for this is that "Qarabag" could not distribute its strength properly. Both the Champions League and the national championship... It seemed difficult for them. The main reason was the lack of reserve forces for "Qarabag". Because the "eleven" did not change out of necessity. As soon as they changed it, they lost points. This shows that it was an unplanned season for "Qarabag"," he said in an interview with sportal.az.
According to Huseynov, there is no difference for "Qarabag" between the Europa League or the Conference League, whichever tournament they go to, they will be successful:
"Qarabag" has been performing successfully in Europe for 13 years. This year, the team showed in the Champions League that it is possible to fight worthily against any opponent. I don't see any serious problem for "Qarabag", because the team has enough experience. I think that no matter which front "Qarabag" fights on, it will achieve great success there. The main reason for this is that the team already has an established system. If we pay attention, we will see that no matter who comes and goes, "Qarabag's" style of play does not change. Because the club has already built its football philosophy and game foundation very strongly. I have no doubt that "Qarabag" will perform successfully this year as well."
According to him, there will be a great fight for the championship in the Azerbaijan Premier League in the new season: "From the new season, not only "Qarabag", but also "Sabah", "Neftchi", "Zira" and "Turan Tovuz" will fight seriously for the championship. I think we are waiting for a more interesting and competitive championship. This season was a good lesson for "Qarabag" that if you compete in both the domestic championship and European tournaments at the same time, you have to be ready for anything. Therefore, I think that "Qarabag" will approach each game more seriously and responsibly in the new season."